About

Say your Vows on Canada's Largest Stern Wheeler

One of the most unique venues in the Okanagan, the SS Sicamous is perfect venue for those seeking beauty, magical elegance on the water. You have access to all points on the boat, making it one of the most memorable weddings your guests will attend!

All About the Stern Wheeler S.S. Sicamous

What is the SS Sicamous?The Sicamous is the largest surviving stern wheeler in Canada. It was used to transport passengers and cargo to remote communities along the shores of Okanagan Lake. The ship is now open as a heritage site, tourist attraction and premier wedding venue. It is cared for by a non-profit organization called the S.S. Sicamous Society.

Why are Weddings important for the Sicamous Society?Galas, balls and community events were hosted on board the S.S. Sicamous while it was in service on the lake, and these activities continued after the ship arrived in our community in 1951. The use of the ship for events is part of a continued tradition that supports our mission and our goals.

Where is the SS Sicamous?The SS Sicamous is on the beach in Penticton, BC (Canada). It is right on the waterfront of Okanagan Lake, and has stunning panoramic views of the valley.

You will find Penticton in the south Okanagan valley, nestled between two lakes, and surrounded by vineyards. We are one hour south of Kelowna, and a 4 hours from Vancouver (or 55 minutes by air). The Okanagan is considered one of the warmest regions in Canada, so you can visit in any season.

Amenities and Attractions close to the Wedding VenueThe SS Sicamous is on the waterfront, and is alongside a park called the "Penticton Rose Garden" (available for ceremonies). Just behind the ship is a small private beach , with a willow tree and rock pier that extends out into the water (this area is also available for the wedding ceremony). There are several hotels nearby, including the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Ramada Inn. The Naramata Bench is home to many wineries, and is a short drive away, so your guests make the most of the local wine culture.

Reasons to Choose the SS Sicamous for Your Wedding

The SS Sicamous is offered for the entire day (for the ceremony and reception). This means you do not have to worry about logistics, or transporting guests from one location to another.

This is a truly unique venue (the largest Stern Wheeler in Canada) with awesome photo opportunities at every turn.

Bar Service is entirely at your discretion (your choice of wine and beverages, with no corkage fee! ) This helps the budget, and gives you complete control over what is served.

A selection of hotels and motels are within easy walking distance from the venue. This makes it easy for you and your guests on the Wedding day.

Guests are free to roam through all 4 decks of this popular tourist attraction. They are not confined to the same room, and can have fun exploring and mingling in the different areas that the ship has to offer.

Vineyards are a short drive away, and the Rose Garden and beach are just outside. This means you have lots of options for the ceremony and for family photos.

The interior is stunning already, so few decorations are needed. (This helps the budget, and allows you to focus on other aspects).

Funds from your Wedding go directly to a local charity (the S.S Sicamous Society) to protect Okanagan heritage.

Tables, white wedding chairs and sound equipment are included, and will be set up for you by the SS Sicamous Crew.

Every booking automatically includes a luxury Wedding Planning Service. This is included in the quoted price, and means that you have help and support every step of the way.

Questions about Weddings

How do I book a tour?We would be happy to set time aside to invite you for a personal tour of the SS Sicamous. Just send a quick email, or give us a call at 250-492-0403. We are flexible, and can accommodate most busy schedules.

What happens on the day of the Wedding?We close the doors to the public, so you and your guests will have private use of the ship for the entire day of the wedding! Guest can roam the decks, relax with a glass of wine, or admire the displays and model railway. Because you have the ship for the entire day, we are able to host your wedding ceremony and reception. The ship also provides many unique and magical opportunities for photographs, so you can make the memories last.

Will there be other Weddings on the same day?That's a good question. We only ever hold one wedding per week (on Saturdays). The entire ship is reserved for you, and your guests, so you will have the entire space, and all of our attention 🙂

Your wedding planner will also be with you from start to finish on the day of the Wedding. They will look after timelines and vendors so that everything goes smoothly. This means you can focus on enjoying the moment, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Why is the Wedding Planning Service included here, and not at other venues?For many, the venue is the first big item that you will book when planning your wedding. By including this service automatically with every booking, it means they can help you from the very beginning, so you are off to the best start. Our planners have worked many weddings on board, and know the ins and outs of the ship. They are on call, and can answer any question you have. In addition, you will find that several of the other venues require wedding planners as a condition of booking, but it isn't included in the price. (Please bear this in mind when comparing the costs of other venue rentals).

{Plans & Pretty Pictures}

The ship has four decks for your guests to explore. Click the map below for a guide to the main levels. The second floor of the ship is where most of the action happens. This is where the wedding reception takes place, where drinks are served, and were the vows are often exchanged. There is an elevator to this level if you have guests with mobility concerns.

Questions about the Wedding Ceremony

Can we hold the wedding ceremony on the ship?Yes, the ship is yours for the entire day, so the ceremony and reception can be held on board. The vows can be said inside on the Grand Stair Case, outside on the bow of the ship, or on the beach in the Heritage Park. The Penticton Rose Garden is also just around the corner. It all depends on the number of guests, and your visions for the day!

Can we hold the wedding ceremony on the beach?
With the Beach Option you are able to hold the ceremony on the beach. The area will be reserved for the next three hours.

Can we hold the wedding ceremony in the Rose Garden?
You can, and it is a lovely location for a wedding. This needs to be booked through the City of Penticton. Click here for details: City Parks Wedding Ceremony Booking Form.

What happens if I plan to have my ceremony outside and it starts to rain?The interior of the Sicamous is reserved for you for the entire day. If the weather turns wet, we are happy to provide the alternative venue for your wedding ceremony, so there is no need to rent large tents or other supplies.

Questions about the Wedding Reception

How many guests can I invite?
The SS Sicamous can comfortably seat up to 100 guests for a formal dinner, and up to 148 guests for a cocktail style wedding reception.

Where do we hold the wedding reception?The wedding reception is held in the dining saloon, on the second level of the ship. This level is now accessible by elevator, so guests with mobility concerns can attend the reception. We provide the tables, chairs and sound equipment, and will set them up for you. To learn more pleaseclick here . You can also see sample table set-ups and diagrams, and examples of real weddings.

Where is the dance floor?
The dance floor is usually in the dining saloon, where the Reception is held. The head table will be at one end, with the music and dance area at the opposite end. If more room is needed, the crew will simply push a few tables against the wall, or fold them away for you after dinner is finished.

We have elderly relatives that can’t climb stairs. Is there an elevator?
Yes, we have an elevator! It allows access to the second level of the ship, and can be used by guests with wheelchairs or mobility concerns.

Can I choose an "Outside" Caterer?You can have your pick of the vendors and caterers that the South Okanagan has to offer. There is a small kitchen on board that the Caterers use, and we will provide a list of recommended caterers to get you started. We are flexible, and you do not have to choose from this list. (As long as you have a licensed caterer for the Reception Dinner we are happy!) Take a peek at the vendors list: Popular Wedding Caterers

Is there a bar for serving drinks?
There is an antique bar in the gentleman's saloon, where you can serve beer, wine and cocktails for your guests.

Is there a Corkage Fee?Nope. At the SS Sicamous you will have complete freedom to decide the wine, drinks and cocktails that your guests enjoy.

Can my guests go outside on the decks with their drinks?Guests are free to explore the decks with their drinks. After the start of the wedding reception, we ask that guests stay on the second level of the ship, so recommend they explore the cargo deck and model railway before the party gets in full swing.

Are there any hotels nearby for my guests?There are lots of hotels and motels along lake shore, all within easy walking distance of the ship. Click here to see a map: Hotels Close to the SS Sicamous

What about parking for my guests?
There is free parking all along Lakeshore and just across the road at the Loco landing parking lot 🙂 Parking is very busy during the summer months. Suggested solution: There are hotels and motels all along Lakeshore, and your guests are likely to be staying nearby. We recommend that they park at the hotel, and simply walk over to the ship. This also saves any potential worry at the end of the night. We also have a special discount with Coconut Express, so you can arrange a shuttle for your guests if they are coming from further afield.

Questions about Timing

How long do we have the ship for?The ship is yours from 12noon to 12midnight on the wedding day, with an extra hour for clean up (until 1am). With the Early Bird Option, you are also able to board the ship ahead of the wedding day, to decorate, bring supplies, and ensure everything is perfect. Plus you will time the morning after the wedding (from 9 am to 11am) so you can collect any left-over supplies and decorations.

What time does the bar close?Drink service stops at 12 midnight. Last call is 30 minutes before this, to allow plenty of time for your guests to drink up. The last guest should exit the ship by 1am.

Questions for your budget

What is the price of a Wedding?
Wedding packages are $4,450. This is for the entire day, and includes taxes and fees. Other options such as a beach ceremony, and extended access for decorating are available too. Contact us for more details!

What does this price include?
Included in this price, you will the venue for the entire day (for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception). Tables, white wedding chairs and sound equipment are also included, and will be set up for you by the SS Sicamous Crew. The luxury Wedding PlanningService is also already included within this price. We don’t charge any surprise fees, and all of the quoted prices are inclusive of tax.

Are there any extra charges or fees that I should be aware of?The only extra charges to consider are the liquor license ($25) and the event insurance (expect to pay between $225 and $300). Items such as linens and plates will need to be rented separately. We don't charge a corkage fee for the bar. After booking our wedding planning experts will help you put together a full budget for the wedding. This means there are no surprises down the road, and you can have accurate costs from the very beginning.

What are the wedding fees used for?
The SS Sicamous is operated by a registered non-profit organization called the SS Sicamous Society. We are dedicated to preserving the marine heritage of the Okanagan. The price of your wedding will go directly to helping us preserve and protect the ships for the future.

Questions about booking

How do I book a tour?
We would be happy to set time aside to invite you for a personal tour of the SS Sicamous, to show you the ship and discuss your vision for your big day. Just send us a quick email, or give us a call at 250-492-0403.

I'm in the very early stages of planning, how far in advance should I book my date?
This depends on the season of your wedding. The wedding season in the Okanagan is from May through to October. Weekends in June, July and August are the first to book (closely followed by September). Many venues will start booking up 18months to a year in advance. So if you are planning for a weekend wedding in the summer, the answer is the sooner the better 🙂

How do I book a date?

Step 1: Please contact Jessie at the SS Sicamous. We will have a chat about your plans, and I can let you know about the availability for choosing your wedding date. We can also arrange a tour, so you and your family can see the venue in person!

Step 2: Place a deposit to confirm the date. The deposit is $1850. We also ask for a refundable damage deposit ($500) closer to the wedding day.

Step 3: Read through and sign the Rental Agreement. The SS Sicamous will then officially be reserved for your wedding!